Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there.

What is your opinion about this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 7.5)

In recent years, the requirement for new houses has become a subject of considerable debate, as the only available option to build them is in the countryside. While some people believe that it is crucial to preserve the countryside, I strongly agree with the view that building new houses there should be avoided in order to protect natural landscapes and the environment. This essay will explain the main reasons for my position.

The primary reason why I agree with this view is that constructing houses in the countryside can cause significant damage to the natural environment. This is because large areas of farmland, forests and natural habitats may have to be cleared to make space for residential developments. For example, in many rapidly expanding cities, agricultural land on the outskirts is converted into housing societies, resulting in the loss of green spaces and wildlife habitats. As a result, biodiversity can decline and local ecosystems may be permanently disrupted. Therefore, it is evident that protecting the countryside is essential for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.

Another significant reason is that urban areas can often be developed more efficiently instead of expanding into the countryside. In other words, governments can encourage the construction of apartments, redevelopment of unused buildings and better utilisation of vacant urban land to accommodate a growing population. A good example of this can be seen in cities such as Singapore, where limited land availability has encouraged extensive use of high-rise residential buildings and careful urban planning rather than uncontrolled expansion into rural areas. Consequently, more people can be provided with adequate housing while valuable rural land remains protected. This further demonstrates why new housing should, wherever possible, be concentrated within existing urban areas rather than built on the countryside.

In conclusion, although the need to provide affordable and sufficient housing may have some merit, I believe that the countryside should be protected from unnecessary residential development because such construction can damage natural habitats and urban land can often be used more efficiently. Therefore, governments should prioritise sustainable development within existing cities while preserving rural areas for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on environmental consequences and the second on urban planning solutions. The use of the Singapore example provides a concrete and relevant illustration of your argument, which strengthens the overall response. The conclusion effectively summarises your main points and restates your position. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a high level of task engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'In other words', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the task. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text, making the essay easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. The language used is precise and appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'subject of considerable debate', 'rapidly expanding cities', 'biodiversity can decline', and 'sustainable development' show a good command of topic-specific vocabulary. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally to convey your ideas effectively. The range is sufficient to allow for precision and flexibility in your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex forms to maintain interest and clarity. The accuracy is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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